Palestinian-American businessman Bishara Bahbah, who acted as a mediator between Hamas and the American administration, arrived for a private visit to Israel during which he met with relatives of hostages at the headquarters of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. Bahbah told them that on the eve of the attack in Qatar, there was a deal on the table that was torpedoed due to the bombing. According to him, the Qataris were and remain the most significant factor in reaching an agreement, and Israel needs to take steps to bring them back to the mediation table. Bahbah added that the substantial damage is to Qatar's status and dignity as a mediator.